superheated Smokey Fiero

The topic of superheated-fuel engines has come up several times recently, especially here with the 376 mpg Opel that was recently discovered. We’re working on another update to that story, but in the meantime, we came across an article in the Tenneseean about Tony Allers, the man who bought Smokey Yunick’s experimental superheated-fuel 1984 Fiero.

Yunick’s 4-cylander (sic) Fiero operates at 80-percent fuel efficiency because it doesn’t need to work as hard to heat and cool the engine. It doesn’t need a radiator, has no computer, no controls, and no emissions.

“This engine heats all the gas up to 460 degrees before it even goes in the intake chamber – it then turns it into a vapor,” Allers explained.

Of course, the performance figures quoted in the article are just a little bit off (five-second zero-to-60? Right…), so we’d have to question the 51 mpg statement. Regardless, it’s further proof (in addition to his accounts in his book and the patent he got on the technology) that Smokey seriously pursued this train of thought.

Jeff Reevessays:

May 11, 2007 10:48 am

Michael Lanesays:

May 28, 2007 2:32 pm

The 2.5’s were prone to catching fire, however there are many glitches that people hadn’t figured out. For instance the emissions equipment was clogged easily causing the engine to overheat and… What does excessive heat cause plastic to do? Melt/catch fire… I recently bought an ’85 and am working these glitches out and hoping all will be well…

Tony Allerssays:

June 25, 2007 5:49 pm

The figures on the Hot Vapor Fiero actually come from a June 1984 Hot Rod Magazine test. My quickest 0-60 has been 6.1 seconds. I have also averaged 48 mpg when I behave. All testing and times, mileages etc on the Fiero was always provided by whomever did the articles. Neither Smokey nor Ralph Johnson provided any HP ratings, 0-60, or MPG ratings to any of the writers. If Hemmings would care to revisit the Fiero and would arrange some independant testing I would be glad to make the car available. Thanks for your interest and article.

Joe Chrismansays:

January 30, 2013 3:27 pm

Marksays:

October 22, 2007 10:02 am

Hey, I am dying to be an auto mechanic when I’m older and Smokey has really inspired me, right now I am doing a report on him for school and his life is so interesting, anyway thanks for the inspiration and for the facts for my report.
Bye.

Raymond Bushnellsays:

January 24, 2008 7:25 pm

We recently designed a fuel delivery system that included fully vaporizing the fuel prior to combustion for Vapor Fuel Technologies LLC. There are additional changes to the operating conditions but the bottom line is that the vapor system was independently verified to increase fuel efficiency by over 30% at a certified lab in California. Several patents have been awarded for this technology. We are happy to answer any further technical questions or you can check out their site at http://www.vftllc.com

Gene Climersays:

July 31, 2008 6:36 pm

I am reading 4 of Smokey’s books right now. Just finished one on Power. I also have his patents, and find them fascinating. Seems to me that his ideas were solid. I have heard both positive and negative things about whether these cars ever worked. I’d love to hear from you Tony. Call me or email me.
Thanks,
Gene Climer
Beaverton, Oregon
503-627-5774 (Work)
503-642-2017 (Home)
503-267-1648 (Cell)climer97007@yahoo.com (Email)

Whynotthinkwhynotsays:

August 21, 2008 7:33 pm

The Iron Duke (2.5 GM) was perfect for a project like this since the intake and exhaust are on the same side in some head configurations. I had a design a long while back that I never built. I wish I’d bought that 79 Sunfire that had the old Iron Duke in it so I could try. I doubt it would ever perform as well as a Fiero though-LOL.

The Fiero’s built in wiring problems are easy to fix. Just insulate the wires in the engine compartment.